Italian mother and nonna, Albina Giardossi turned 102-year-old on Sunday (April 24).
She celebrated the big milestone with her son, grandchildren and great grandchildren at Bethel Aged Care in Mill Park.
Albina was born in Trieste, Italy and moved to Australia in 1955 where she worked as a dressmaker.
She is one of eight children, all who have sadly passed away.
She also lost her husband in 1999, but her son, Claude said she still pushes on.
“With everything she’s been through, losing dad and moving into a home, she doesn’t allow it to stop her,” he said.
The mother of one has led a relatively healthy life, not having been affected by any serious illnesses.
However, she is now chair bound due to her frail age.
“Every time the grandkids said Nana you’re going to be 100 soon, she’d screw up her nose and roll her eyes, but then she turned a hundred and she was looking forward to the next one,” Claude said.
Claude, 79, said mum was always active in the kitchen living up to her Italian nonna stereotype.
“She was always in the kitchen cooking and showing her granddaughters how to make stuff,” he said.
“One of my daughters is a hairdresser and mum would always look forward to her coming over so she could get her hair done and she’d always have a feast prepared for her and the kids.”
The family celebrated with cake and balloons and sang happy birthday and are more than happy she’s still around.
“I’m glad she’s still here with us and hopefully she’ll be around for more.”